A school going silent in the middle of the day, not because of a holiday or a storm, but rather because of the sun, has a subtly unsettling quality. As record-breaking temperatures force head teachers to make decisions that many of them have probably never had to make before, that is precisely what is happening in some parts of Devon this week.
Numerous schools in Devon‘s North, West, and South have already declared either complete closures or drastically reduced school days. On Tuesday, June 23, the Shoreline Academy in Barnstaple completely closed due to excessive heat inside the school. The school stated that the decision would be reviewed every day, which implies that no one is certain how long this will last.
Clyst Vale Community College, which is close to Exeter, opted for a partial strategy and closed that same day at 1:30 p.m. Ottery St. Mary Primary School has significantly reduced its operating hours, now only being open from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays. On Wednesday, the Park Community School in Barnstaple will close at 1pm. Every school came to the same conclusion in its own unique way: the building had just gotten too hot for the occupants.
All of this takes place against a somber backdrop. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24 and lasting until 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, the Met Office has issued a red weather warning for heat throughout the South West. In certain places, temperatures could reach 38 to 40 degrees Celsius; these figures still seem almost unreal when connected to Devon. This is the second time a red heat-health alert has ever been issued in the UK, according to the UK Health Security Agency. July 2022 was the first.
It’s worth taking a moment to consider what a red heat-health alert really means. It does not only indicate danger for the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Even among people in good health, there is a risk to life, according to the UKHSA. The decisions to close schools are presented in a completely different light by that framing. These are reactions to a real public health emergency, not overly cautious precautions.
Sarah Bird, UKHSA South West’s lead health protection consultant, was methodical but straightforward in her advice. She gave public advice on how to keep homes cool, stay hydrated, and stay out of the sun during peak hours. She also emphasized the importance of keeping an eye out for elderly neighbors and those with underlying medical conditions, serving as a reminder that during periods of extreme heat, community is more important than individual survival.
It’s also important to remember that the dangers go far beyond overheated classrooms. During the heat wave, the UKHSA reported increased risks near Devon’s rivers, open water, and coastline. Even strong swimmers who enter cold water after being in extreme heat run the risk of suffering from cold-water shock. Parents who allow their kids near open water this week should be aware that water-related incidents tend to increase whenever temperatures rise.
This has a broader implication that is difficult to avoid. For a long time, Britain has operated under the presumption that it doesn’t get hot enough to change daily routines to accommodate the weather. This week raises the possibility that the assumption needs to be revised. Devon’s heat-related school closures are more than just a practical annoyance; they are a sign that what used to seem like a once-in-a-generation occurrence is now something that communities need to make plans for.
For the time being, you can check for updates at Devon County Council’s school closure service. The situation is still unstable, and more schools might open up in the future.
